Inquiry won’t solve parking pain says WSROC

A recent inquiry into commuter car parking has failed to address basic issues of supply and demand said the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

WSROC President, Cr Stephen Bali said “This was a sorely needed review, but unfortunately has not provided short term solutions to car parking in Western Sydney.

“WSROC supports a number of recommendations put forward in the report including: Opal card accessed bike sheds and increased transparency of investment decisions,” he said.

“However, we are dumbfounded that there is no recommendation for planning and building commuter car parks in areas where they are needed.

“As outlined in the report, maximising the potential of existing car parks is critical in areas of high urban density. However, in developing areas, the focus should be planning an appropriate number of new parking spaces so we can prevent repeating the same mistakes in future,” said Cr Bali.

“Penrith Station is an excellent example. Subsequent expansions of this car park have significantly underestimated current and future demand despite warnings from local government.

“Schofields Station is another instance where parking has not been expanded despite significant, predicted growth in the adjoining North West Priority Growth Area.

“Higher density areas such as Parramatta could be better served by having new commuter parking accommodated at Westmead and Harris Park, which would spread the load whilst at the same time supporting businesses in these smaller centres,” he said.

“The report recommends that commuter parking be included in a future state Parking Guideline. Unfortunately, the timeline for this document is 10 – 20 years. By 2036 there will be a million extra people in Western Sydney and the lack of commuter car parking will push many of them to drive, making traffic congestion worse for everyone.